How to lower your blood pressure

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

More than 1 in 4 adults have high blood pressure but you may not know as it is often symptomless.

GP Dr Jeff Foster explains that healthy blood pressure is desirable as it is the single most important modifiable risk factor in our lives.

He says: "Prolonged high blood pressure causes damage to the inner lining of your arteries which then allows plaques to form, furring up vessels and causing blockages. This is how people have heart attacks and strokes.

"High blood pressure can also weaken your arteries increasing the likelihood of rupture. If this occurs in the brain, it can lead to a haemorrhagic stroke.”

Although high blood pressure is usually unnoticed in everyday health, Foster reveals erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a sign of hypertension.

"Once men have erectile dysfunction that is caused by damage to the arteries, it's estimated that within three years there is a significant chance of heart or stroke issues," he explains.

"It's a warning sign."

For this reason, men with ED should consult their doctor for an overall health check.

What is healthy blood pressure?

A blood pressure reading consists of two figures. The higher number - called the systolic level - is a measure of the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is pumping blood out. While the lower figure -the diastolic level - measures the pressure inside your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Defining what is 'healthy' is far harder than you might imagine.

For pretty much everyone, a blood pressure between 90/60 and 120/80 is healthy.

And to make matters more complicated still, if you have a 24-hour blood pressure reading with a monitor from your doctor, or if you're looking at your average readings at home, an average above 135/85 counts as high.

For many people, a blood pressure consistently between 120/80 and 140/90 isn't a cause for concern. However, for some people, this is a sign that they are susceptible to developing high blood pressure.

How to lower blood pressure naturally

If you have high blood pressure, or yours is heading in that direction, read on for tips for lowering it naturally. But if you are already on medicine for the condition, don't stop taking it without speaking with your doctor first.

Foster says: "We'd check someone's blood pressure after three to six months of lifestyle changes, to monitor any change."

What else can help lower blood pressure?

Foster says that some people are predisposed genetically to high blood pressure. Radical lifestyle changes to weight and diet may help but not always.

But a one-off 'high' reading doesn't necessarily mean you have hypertension. If your blood pressure is high when you see your doctor, you may be suffering from 'white coat syndrome'. This is where the stress of having your blood pressure tested causes it to increase temporarily. Doctors understand this so they may take your blood pressure for a second time shortly afterwards.

Other options will include asking you to monitor it at home for a few days or they may supply you with a 24-hour blood pressure monitor. Once there is a clear picture of your blood pressure you may be prescribed drugs to control it.

There is a range of blood pressure medicines available. It's important to remember that these won't make you feel better in the short term, and may cause side-effects. However, they are an insurance policy against you having a catastrophic stroke, so it's very important not to give up on them without a discussion with your doctor.

It's a balance between controlling your blood pressure and reducing unwanted side-effects which can include tiredness, swollen ankles, or cough. If one drug causes side-effects, your doctor may be able to switch you to another. Your age, ethnicity, lifestyle, and any other health issues will be factors when your doctor chooses the right drugs.

Prevention

If you buy an approved blood pressure monitor to use at home, Foster suggests using it every six months or so if your blood pressure is usually within the normal range. If you have any concerns, or you are a man experiencing erectile dysfunction, don't be embarrassed but see your doctor for a health check.